ABSTRACT
The basement membrane, which is composed of type IV collagen and laminin 5 (laminin-332), is located at the border between the epidermis and the dermis (Martin et al. 1983). Keratinocytes adhere to the basement membrane through integrin molecules and type VII collagen attaches to the basement membrane like a strap from the dermis side. Type I and type III collagens are held through the straps of type VII collagen. The tightly cohesive structure of the basement membrane leads to an understanding that the basement membrane plays a critical role in maintaining the epidermal and dermal structure.
